Ethics

[zivnuska]

Moderators,

I am concerned that the site is being unethically used to sell products. I have no problem with individuals participating in forums about producs in which they have a financial interest, if they disclose that financial interest.

We have folks giving glowing testimonials about products they sell without advising members of their conflict of interest. This is wrong.

I don't know if you can do anything. It would be hard (or impossible) to police. Dealers should disclose or be deleted from membership. Thanks. I feel better! Phil

------------------
1999 F-350 PSD, Auto, lwb, srw, CC, 4wd, lariat, Rhino liner, Reese 5th & Gooseneck hitch, Banks Stinger

[Alaska Doug]

I am a retailer in a lumber and building supply business which is also heavily into hardware. I sell Fram filters, Valvoline, Mobil 1 and Penzoil in my store. Do I need to include this in my signature when I say that Fram filters work just fine for me? I run Amsoil in several of our vehicles, but I'm not a dealer. We all know who the Amsoil supporters are around here (there are very few) and I believe all of them but me are dealers. Otherwise I see few products for sale around here, and JLester is doing a fine job shutting them down. But I also see plenty of testimonials around here for various products, Banks, Hypermax, ATS, etc. and they are very informative. Basically this perceived problem of dealer sales is overblown.

[SLYMULE]

Alaska Doug,I tend to agree with you to an extent. I'm an Amsoil dealer, but only because I use their product. I've even said in other posts - Please don't call me wanting to order any of their products - I don't want the hassle, I just want to be able to buy their products cheaper. I do find it nice to be able to see when someone thats "blowing smoke" about a certain product, is also selling it to make money. Gives you a little better insite into what his motive is. On the other hand, if a guy likes a product (like I like Amsoil, like Jason likes his Banks Stinger Kit, etc), then I see nothing wrong with spreading the word to other people. It's that kind of a thing that keeps us informed as too whats out there that people are satisfied with. You can call me a "dealer" if you want - You can call me for my opinion - Just don't call me to order something for you unless your a good friend (don't make money on my friends). See... I'm not interested in making a buck on it.

[This message has been edited by SLYMULE (edited 06-21-1999).]

[Shawn]

As long as you do not try to blatantly sell your products on the forums and just defend them, shouldn't be any problems (per Jason's previous statements...)

Most people here are here to discuss the fine piece of metal that happens to be the Ford-Diesel engine and all that is connected to it. Debating someone over a product is fine. What isn't fine is:

"If anyone is looking for a deal on <insert product name> call me and I will hook you up with it!"

Those posts have ZERO tolerance on the forum.

SP

------------------
Shawn Pryde
1999 and 1/2 PSD CC LWB 2wd, with Black over Tan. No Modifications, yet...